Photo by Gwendolyn Z. Photography
first glance
Volunteer?
A
s I was reviewing the manuscripts that were slated to appear in this issue of Healthy New Albany Magazine, I was heartened by the focus on volunteerism. New Albany residents are engaged. They enrich the lives of others because they give. Whether serving on boards, handing out bottles of water at a race or stocking shelves at the food pantry, New Albany residents donate their time, energy and expertise for the benefit of the community. It was in early 2015 that Healthy New Albany was in search of an executive director. But when examining the financial state of this nonprofit organization, it was apparent that the funds needed to support the position were at a level that might raise concerns about its fiscal viability in the near future. It was at this time I mentioned to the board that I would gladly assist in any way possible. Thus, I was anointed executive director of Healthy New Albany, an unpaid position with a title exuding significant responsibility. Shortly after my tenure began, I was expressing my enthusiasm to a friend about my new journey when he praised me for my volunteer work at Healthy New Albany. At that moment, I was taken aback. I felt that my contributions to Healthy New Albany seemed to be perceived as irrelevant when compared to that of a paid executive director. Certainly, there was no difference in job responsibilities. About two years ago, I asked for and received an employment contract from my board, thus designating me as an employee of Healthy New Albany. My yearly salary of one dollar has altered my inner sense of perceived importance by others. I believe my professional status as an employee of Healthy New Albany is elevated in the eyes of others when I am thought of as a paid executive rather than a volunteer for Healthy New Albany. Can one dollar really make a difference? I’m fortunate to be in a position to give back to my community in my role as paid executive director. Uh, volunteer?
Healthfully,
Phil Heit, Executive Director
www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
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